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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:17:27
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:02:24
Hi,
Have you felt better since you've been on Effexor? Can you afford to continue taking it? .....assuming that you have to pay for your prescriptions.
Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:18:51
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:19:39
Btw, what dose are you on? Are you on any other medication? Do you suffer from any medical or psychiatric conditions?
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:20:08
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:17:27
Oh yes, feel miles better since taking it and have been on the lowest dose for a while now. I don't pay for them so that's not a prob.
But I don't know how I'd talk the doc into letting me stay on them?
Could there be problems in taking them for life?By the way, thanks for listening.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:22:58
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:18:51
I take a salbutamol inhaler several times a day but that's all.
And I have eczema (under control at the moment)
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:34:06
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:20:08
Hi!
>Could there be problems in taking them for life?
It's possible, but if Effexor's really helping you and you're not having any side effects I very much doubt that you'll run into problems. Effexor does increase the risk of bleeding in the gut so it's not ideal for people who suffer from stomach ulcers or other gastro-intestinal conditions. Also, Effexor is not particularly suitable for people who suffer from heart disease, severe high blood pressure, liver disease, renal failure, epilepsy, glaucoma or bleeding disorders. Do you have any of these conditions?
Effexor is best avoided if you need to take warfarin, daily aspirin or daily NSAIDs. It can be problematic for people who have bipolar disorder (manic-depression). It should not be taken during pregnancy or breast feeding.
Do any of the above conditions apply to you?
Why were you initially prescribed Effexor? Depression? Anxiety? Sleep paralysis? I think you should tell your doctor that Effexor gets rid of your sleep paralysis.
Do you take 75mg/day?
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:46:42
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:34:06
>it's not ideal for people who suffer from stomach ulcers or other gastro-intestinal conditions. Also, Effexor is not particularly suitable for people who suffer from heart disease, severe high blood pressure, liver disease, renal failure, epilepsy, glaucoma or bleeding disorders. Do you have any of these conditions?
No, I don't have any of those.
>Effexor is best avoided if you need to take warfarin, daily aspirin or daily NSAIDs. It can be problematic for people who have bipolar disorder (manic-depression). It should not be taken during pregnancy or breast feeding.
None of the above apply.
I was taking 37.5mg a day,for depression, I'm taking it every two days and have a constant headache, bad dizziness on the 2nd day without a tablet and SP.
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 13:11:44
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:46:42
Hi,
I think you should go back on 37.5mg/day. It was helping you without side effects. You do not have any contra-indications to the use of Effexor.
>I'm taking it every two days and have a constant headache, bad dizziness on the 2nd day without a tablet and SP.
Effexor needs to be taken daily, even during tapering. It is not logical to take it on alternate days because it has a very short duration of action in the body. Many doctors tell people to take it on alternate days, it's not a good idea though!!!
Are you taking the tablets or the capsules?
If you do decide to stop Effexor, try taking half a tablet/capsule daily rather than one tablet on alternate days. If you still have withdrawal symptoms you could try taking three quarters of a tablet/capsule daily- you could then reduce the dose gradually every few weeks. You'll have to get good at chopping tablets or opening capsules and dividing the contents!! Effexor capsules contain 'pellets' of venlafaxine, as a result you can gradually reduce the dose.
Ed.
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:31:25
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:22:58
Eczema is one of the side effects of effexor. It kind of came and went with me for a while and then I could'nt get rid of it at all until I stopped taking effexor. I was on it for 7 years and have a lenghty list of side effects that I had. Most of them cleared up when I stopped taking it, but I still have anxiety and liver disease that will not go away. Good Luck.
Sammi
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:36:11
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 13:11:44
You can take the granules from the capsules and mix them in orange juice or any other liquid when you cut your dose in half. Save the granules for the next day.
Sammi
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 14:06:56
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » Marg, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:31:25
I had eczema before taking the tablets.
Thanks for your input though.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 14:08:29
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » ed_uk, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:36:11
> You can take the granules from the capsules and mix them in orange juice or any other liquid when you cut your dose in half. Save the granules for the next day.
> Sammi
I take the tablets nd 37.5 is the lowest dose so if I'm supposed to take a tablet everyday how do I ever come off them?My head hurts! LOL
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 14:19:45
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 14:08:29
Break the tablets in half and then quarters. If this is a problem ask your Dr. for the 37 1/2 capsules and open them up and split them that way. Don't come off effexor too fast and the withdrawls won't be so bad. It took me 2 months to stop from 75mg and I think that was too fast. I've been off 3 months now and feel so much better. While going through the withdrawls I was tempted to start taking it again just to end the horrible effects of the withdrawl, but I am so glad now that I didn't. I have so much energy now. Hang in there, it does get better.
Sammi
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 4, 2005, at 14:29:35
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:19:39
Odds are that you won't be able to stay on it forever. Effexor requires more and more to be effective. Eventually, you'll be at the max dose and it won't work, and you'll have to come off it then. The withdrawal will likely be exponentially worse then. Getting off now is a good idea. As for the sleep paralysis, I occasionally experience that and it is terrifying. I don't have any suggestions, but hope and pray you'll find something that will help. Take care!
> I am coming off effexor after taking it for nearly 4 years. I'm suffering from dizziness and headaches but thats not the worst thing.
> Before I started effexor I used to suffer from sleep paralysis but it seems the drug stopped that happening, now the SP is back and I hate it! It is the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced. I want to stay on effexor forever to to stop the SP. Is this a good idea?
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 4, 2005, at 14:35:03
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 13:11:44
Please keep in mind that advice given on this board is given by people who DO NOT KNOW YOUR CASE and are not qualified to diagnose, treat or recommend courses of medical action for you. Advice based on personal experience is all that should be expected, and you have to make the decision about your medication in conjunction with your doctor only. I would not accept a recommendation to keep taking, or discontinue, medication without a thorough exam by your physician. No, the medical community has NOT been helpful about the side-effects and the withdrawal effects from this medication, but making decisions based on advice solicited from non-professionals is not the wisest course of action.
> Hi,
>
> I think you should go back on 37.5mg/day. It was helping you without side effects. You do not have any contra-indications to the use of Effexor.
>
> >I'm taking it every two days and have a constant headache, bad dizziness on the 2nd day without a tablet and SP.
>
> Effexor needs to be taken daily, even during tapering. It is not logical to take it on alternate days because it has a very short duration of action in the body. Many doctors tell people to take it on alternate days, it's not a good idea though!!!
>
> Are you taking the tablets or the capsules?
>
> If you do decide to stop Effexor, try taking half a tablet/capsule daily rather than one tablet on alternate days. If you still have withdrawal symptoms you could try taking three quarters of a tablet/capsule daily- you could then reduce the dose gradually every few weeks. You'll have to get good at chopping tablets or opening capsules and dividing the contents!! Effexor capsules contain 'pellets' of venlafaxine, as a result you can gradually reduce the dose.
>
> Ed.
>
>
>
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 4, 2005, at 14:36:34
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:46:42
Marg, please see my post following ed_uk's response to this. Thanks.
> >it's not ideal for people who suffer from stomach ulcers or other gastro-intestinal conditions. Also, Effexor is not particularly suitable for people who suffer from heart disease, severe high blood pressure, liver disease, renal failure, epilepsy, glaucoma or bleeding disorders. Do you have any of these conditions?
>
> No, I don't have any of those.
>
> >Effexor is best avoided if you need to take warfarin, daily aspirin or daily NSAIDs. It can be problematic for people who have bipolar disorder (manic-depression). It should not be taken during pregnancy or breast feeding.
>
> None of the above apply.
>
> I was taking 37.5mg a day,for depression, I'm taking it every two days and have a constant headache, bad dizziness on the 2nd day without a tablet and SP.
>
Posted by mintsi1v3r on February 4, 2005, at 20:11:27
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
I just want to let everyone know that it has been 3 days since i cut off effexor cold turkey and i have been doing great. Things are getting better and better, which is alot different from the posts that i have been reading from others.
I was on effexor dosage of 225 mg and have been on it for almost 2 years. It has been 3 days, and yes, there are withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, brain zaps, stomach pains.. all of which are minimal when comparing to how i feel mentally - GREAT. I AM HAPPY AND RELIEVED to be finally off the drug. I know it has only been 3 days but the symptoms are already starting to wear off.
The best advice i can give to someone considering to stop taking the medicine is to keep a positive mind set. I know it sounds cliche but like with everything else in life, a situation is as good as u see it, and u are only as happy as u make urself be. All i am trying to say is that it is 90% mental. Things will look alot better if u focus on a positive.
I was almost going to panic a couple days ago when i read posts about people saying it was the "worst part of their life" or they were about to go crazy. So if u are planning to quit effexor, i'd suggest to not read those posts are take it very lightly, for if i can do it, so can all of u.
GOOD LUCK and god bless.
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 21:57:13
In reply to Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by mintsi1v3r on February 4, 2005, at 20:11:27
Don't drive or use machinery
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 4, 2005, at 22:00:25
In reply to Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by mintsi1v3r on February 4, 2005, at 20:11:27
I am glad you are doing so well. However, we cannot minimize what the rest of us have been through. I went through HELL with withdraw. Each person responds/reacts differently, that's why there are so many viewpoints and experiences shared here. Some withdrawal minimally, as you've described. Others go through horrible withdrawal, like I did. I was in intense pain. My mental outlook had !nothing to do! with the way that I personally experienced the physical effects of withdrawal. I hope that you continue to withdrawl "easily." I wish that I could have had the same experience. For example, years ago, I stopped taking Prozac cold-turkey. No problem. Others have problems with stopping Prozac (and other meds). This morning on the news, they talked about the "Zoloft defense," and had a physician testify that he has had many, many patients tell him that their suicidal impulses were increased beyond their capacity to control them on Zoloft. I had no problems at all on Zoloft until it basically quit working. Each person has a different body/brain chemistry and will react/withdraw differently. Each experience should be RESPECTED; the folks who had a hard time did not simply have a bad attitude. . .Good luck in your continued healing.
> I just want to let everyone know that it has been 3 days since i cut off effexor cold turkey and i have been doing great. Things are getting better and better, which is alot different from the posts that i have been reading from others.
>
> I was on effexor dosage of 225 mg and have been on it for almost 2 years. It has been 3 days, and yes, there are withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, brain zaps, stomach pains.. all of which are minimal when comparing to how i feel mentally - GREAT. I AM HAPPY AND RELIEVED to be finally off the drug. I know it has only been 3 days but the symptoms are already starting to wear off.
>
> The best advice i can give to someone considering to stop taking the medicine is to keep a positive mind set. I know it sounds cliche but like with everything else in life, a situation is as good as u see it, and u are only as happy as u make urself be. All i am trying to say is that it is 90% mental. Things will look alot better if u focus on a positive.
>
> I was almost going to panic a couple days ago when i read posts about people saying it was the "worst part of their life" or they were about to go crazy. So if u are planning to quit effexor, i'd suggest to not read those posts are take it very lightly, for if i can do it, so can all of u.
>
> GOOD LUCK and god bless.
>
>
Posted by Damos on February 6, 2005, at 15:10:41
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:02:24
Hi Marg,
I can attest to the fact that every other day doesn't work with Efexor. Been trying it for a while and have been a mess of symptoms. But it was my choice to try it this way, after a long discussion of options with my Dr's. It proved to be the wrong call but at least I felt in control of the decision/choice.
Having experienced SP a few times I can understand your concern, it's sure not something I'd want to be experiencing on a regular basis. Not knowing the full extent of the discussions with your Dr makes things difficult but I know how important having trust and confidence in mine has been, and I'm not sure I could trust someone who made a comment like that. I mean would he tell a patient on chemo to stop it just because he didn't diagnose their cancer - I don't think so! If he isn't prepared to go right back to the beginning and work through things with you to come to a "mutual" decision about what's best for you based on your history, experience of this medication and current state, I'd be concerned. It's your health we're talking about so you need to feel in control.
Sorry for getting on my high horse, but Drs who act like if it isn't on a scan or a blood test then "So what!" really get me going. And I'm just really worried about you going back to regular SP episodes etc.
Please take good care of yourself, you'll be in my thoughts.
Posted by Damos on February 6, 2005, at 17:02:15
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:19:39
Sorry Marg got so wound up in the last post I forgot the most important thing. My Drs agreed when I had my SP episodes that if they continued they'd would refer me to a sleep disorders clinic as SP can be related to narcolepsy. I have a friend who went to one for sleep apnea and says is it was the best thing he's even done. There are specialist sleep centres all over so it may be worth checking out.
Good luck.
Posted by Maxime on February 6, 2005, at 18:55:39
In reply to Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by mintsi1v3r on February 4, 2005, at 20:11:27
Hi -
I don't take Effexor (although I did once) but the subject line of your post caught eye.
I'm really happy you have been successful. However, withdrawal symptoms are real and they are awful to go through.
So while I am thrilled that you went through the process smoothly, and I am sure your positive attitude helped (although how you managed to keep a positive attitude when depressed is intriguing), please know that you are atypical. Those who post about their hellish withdrawals are going through something very real and very horrid. You were very lucky.
Maxime
> I just want to let everyone know that it has been 3 days since i cut off effexor cold turkey and i have been doing great. Things are getting better and better, which is alot different from the posts that i have been reading from others.
>
> I was on effexor dosage of 225 mg and have been on it for almost 2 years. It has been 3 days, and yes, there are withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, brain zaps, stomach pains.. all of which are minimal when comparing to how i feel mentally - GREAT. I AM HAPPY AND RELIEVED to be finally off the drug. I know it has only been 3 days but the symptoms are already starting to wear off.
>
> The best advice i can give to someone considering to stop taking the medicine is to keep a positive mind set. I know it sounds cliche but like with everything else in life, a situation is as good as u see it, and u are only as happy as u make urself be. All i am trying to say is that it is 90% mental. Things will look alot better if u focus on a positive.
>
> I was almost going to panic a couple days ago when i read posts about people saying it was the "worst part of their life" or they were about to go crazy. So if u are planning to quit effexor, i'd suggest to not read those posts are take it very lightly, for if i can do it, so can all of u.
>
> GOOD LUCK and god bless.
>
>
Posted by Maxime on February 6, 2005, at 19:03:12
In reply to Re: Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by Maxime on February 6, 2005, at 18:55:39
Oh and 90 percent is not mental. It's a true withdrawal. All these meds we take are changing the chemicals in our brains. A drastic shift will give you drastic results. You don't start a med a high dose, you work your way up and there is a reason for that. So the same is true when coming off a med.
I came off a med too quickly a psychosis occured. It was a real psychosis and it was a nightmare.
There was only one meds I stopped cold turkey and suffered no ill effects and that was with Prozac. But it has a half life of 5 weeks.
Maxime
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 6, 2005, at 21:55:35
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Damos on February 6, 2005, at 17:02:15
I echo this - a sleep clinic would be a great source of info and maybe even help for sleep paralysis. Like I said earlier, I've only had a few episodes in my life, but they are terrifying and understandable that you don't want them to happen again. Take care of yourself, and remember, your health is your #1 priority, not your doctor's #1 priority (no matter how wonderful a doctor might be, he/she goes home at night without your difficulties affecting him/her), so you must be proactive. I know insurance can be a problem, but try to get other opinions on what your course of treatment should be. Take care!
> Sorry Marg got so wound up in the last post I forgot the most important thing. My Drs agreed when I had my SP episodes that if they continued they'd would refer me to a sleep disorders clinic as SP can be related to narcolepsy. I have a friend who went to one for sleep apnea and says is it was the best thing he's even done. There are specialist sleep centres all over so it may be worth checking out.
>
> Good luck.
Posted by Marg on February 7, 2005, at 11:08:57
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
Thanks everyone for your advice and input. I'm sticking with trying to come off the AD's but I'm not liking the SP (fear of going to sleep makes me more tired therefore making the chance of SP happening more likely).
In all coming off Effexor is not pleasant, bad headaches, dizziness, vision problems and I'm itchy all over!! Is itchiness common? I've got skin peeling off me!Oh and my Doc said nothing about monitoring me as I'm coming off them. He just said this is your last packet. Nothing about going to see him again or anything!
But it seems to me I should go anyway and tell him the score.
Thanks again everyone and I hope you are all well.
Take care of yourselves.
Marg
Posted by ed_uk on February 7, 2005, at 11:59:57
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 7, 2005, at 11:08:57
Hello,
Good luck Marg :-)
Remember to reduce the dose gradually.
If you take the capsules, here is a helpful link........
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041228/msgs/435329.html
If you take the tablets.......
Invest in a tablet cutter! You should be able to buy one at a pharmacy.
Ed.
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